BREAKING: John Swinney to step down from Government

John Swinney has announced he will leave Government when Nicola Sturgeon's successor as First Minister is appointed.

He tweeted to say: "After almost 16 years as a Minister, I have today written to the First Minister to say that when her successor is appointed I will leave Government. Serving Scotland has been the privilege of my life. Thank you."

In a letter to Nicola Sturgeon Mr Swinney wrote:

"It has been the privilege of my life to serve in the Scottish Government since 2007 as a cabinet minister with responsibility first for finance and the economy, then education and skills and finally Covid recovery.

"It has been my honour to serve Scotland as your Deputy First Minister since 2014.

"I will continue to faithfully represent my constituents in Perthshire North and look forward to sitting with you on the back benches of the Scottish Parliament to continue our contribution to Scotland's cause."

The First Minister tweeted to say:

"The contribution John Swinney had made to Scotland over almost 16 years in the Scottish Government is immense. He leaves a legacy to be proud of.

"I am also deeply grateful for the support, counsel and friendship he has always given me - I could not have wished for a better partner in government"

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